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Gazillion Entertainment Wheels In $60 Million Investment

Gazillion Entertainment, MMO developer known for the just released LEGO Universe and upcoming Super Hero Squad Online, announced that a group of investors, led by Singapore’s Temasek Holdings, has invested $60 million into the company.

“Massively multiplayer online games have become one of the most profitable entertainment formats in many worldwide markets. At Gazillion we’ve focused our creative energy on bringing a signature style and playability to our MMOs so these experiences can be shared by all kinds of gamers,” said Rob Hutter, Founder and CEO of Gazillion. “We’re pleased to welcome Temasek as we enter a key phase of expansion for the company.”

Mike Vorhaus, President of Magid Advisors, a unit of Frank N. Magid Associates, commented, “We believe Temasek’s investment in Gazillion, which has developed one of the best portfolios of online games for all ages, underscores Gazillion’s emergence as a major MMO player globally.”

Last month, Gazillion’s NetDevil studio celebrated the release of LEGO Universe, the paramount MMO game based on the iconic LEGO brand of toys.LEGO Universe is published by the LEGO Group and has just been released in North America and Europe throughout LEGO channels and mass market retailers. LEGO Universe has received significant videogame industry and audience recognition, including “Best MMO Game” of E3 from 1UP and E3’s “Best New MMO” from Massively, in addition to garnering important awards in Europe.

In the first quarter of 2011, Gazillion launches Super Hero Squad Online, the first game to be published under the company’s ten-year exclusive worldwide license agreement with Marvel Entertainment. Super Hero Squad Online, which is in private trials, draws upon the 5,000-plus heroes and villains in the Marvel Universe. For the first time in an MMO experience, players take on the role of iconic Super Heroes in a living online world. Super Hero Squad Online is being developed by Gazillion’s Amazing Society studio.